Director - Corporate Communications

Institute for Defense Analyses • Alexandria, VA

2d

About The Position

This role serves as a senior communications strategist and advisor to the President and corporate executives, providing leadership and counsel on corporate reputation, organizational values, and culture across all audiences. Designs and executes complex, enterprise-wide communication strategies that support organizational objectives and strengthen institutional positioning.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of communications leadership experience, including 5 – 7 years of recent federal-level governmental affairs experience at a think tank, research organization, association, state or local government.
• BS/BA required; Master preferred in Communications, Political Science, Journalism or other relevant field.
• Expertise in legislative analysis and strategic communication.
• Comprehensive understanding of congressional rules, procedures and operations.
• Experience in strategic communications planning, messaging and media relations.
• Demonstrated ability to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages and then deliver it to the right audiences through the best distribution channels.
• Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies.
• Superior writing/editing and verbal communication skills.
• A strong track record of managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

Nice To Haves

• Proven understanding of national security issues and/or governmental activities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partners with the President and executive leadership to develop and execute comprehensive, goal-oriented strategic communications programs aligned with corporate mission, values and institutional priorities.
• Monitors and provides counsel on legislative activities and government regulations impacting the organization at the federal, state and local levels; proactively provides analysis, assessments and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Provides legislative and congressional support, including drafting, reviewing, and editing responses to congressional inquiries, reports, and testimony requests.
• Leads proactive, transformative communications strategies, and initiatives designed to inform, inspire trust, and strengthen IDA brand affinity.
• Oversees a comprehensive media relations strategy that enhances corporate reputation and mitigates risk through effective policies, protocols, and communications standards.
• Identifies potential crisis communications situations, develops response strategies, and maintains a strong crisis communication framework.
• Collaborates across operations and research teams to develop and effectively presents technical content through various media including websites, social media, graphics, and publications to create an operational environment that ensures IDA’s mission success.
• Builds, mentors, coaches and develops a best-in-class team of savvy communications professionals who employ advanced communications strategies and technologies.
• Establishes performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and continuously adjust activities to ensure maximum impact.
• Serves as the senior corporate media spokesperson
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation’s warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's brand new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and gym.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping, the Potomac Yard Metro stop and the Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director